Models and designers work in harmony at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) assuring the audience fully experiences their aurora and brand. A Black woman walking the runway may be met with discriminatory comments, yet models like Skxttles Wanders bask in the opportunity to shine with their strut. She’s very confident in Black models even when fashion shows aren’t, and said that these forums are “going to have [no] choice but to put us up there [on a runway]; that’s the mentality I keep every day.”
Wanders, real name Averi Higgins, enjoys romanticizing living life on a runway. The 20-year-old shared that when people utter, “Oh, she thinks she’s on a runway or something?” her response is, “Yeah, why don’t you?” The Buffalo State University student was thrilled to do her second NYFW event with Unieke Mode NY on Saturday, Feb. 10, at Lesbian & Gay Community Services Center in Manhattan.
Unieke Mode NY has significantly revamped since its Winter 2023 NYFW. Previously called, “Cosmopolitan NYFW,” the company’s founders went from a duo to Monique Obeze solely managing the brand. Wanders praised Obeze for her patience and effectiveness with the models and designers backstage. “She really was able to effectively dedicate time to approach sudden issues on top of making sure the show flowed,” said Wanders. “Monique did spectacularly!” Obeze, with nearly 18 years in the fashion industry, proved her distinct eye for fashion by featuring designers at her NYC show with completely different flairs. Her involvement as a stylist before becoming a full-time show producer inspired her guests to, “experience something different … each time.” This season, Obeze ensured a plethora of brands from different places graced her runway. “We had designers from New York, all the way to the Philippines,” said the fashion founder. There was a 3 p.m. show and 6 p.m. show for primetime creators. Although Unieke Mode NY is a very new brand, Obeze emphasized, “I’m not new to the business.”
One of Obeze’s main goals was delivering on promises to the designers. She completely understood the importance of branding at Fashion Week. “I get joy from that, from helping others, putting smiles on a designer’s faces,” she said. Obeze enjoys standing with the designers, watching their outfits on the models coming down the runway. “That’s the joy that I get by helping them see their dreams come to life.” One designer Obeze was happy to have on her platform was Denná Latrice Designs.
Denná Latrice Clark, entrepreneur, creator and fashion designer, made her NYFW debut this February. “Definitely an accomplishment made, considering these showcases in New York are something I really thought about when I was a kid, and I finally did it,” said Clark. She describes her brand, Denná Latrice Designs, as youthful with a high school vibe. Additionally, she customizes prom dresses. “Nowadays, prom is almost equivalent to like getting married.” Clark does a lot of custom work for her clients, while keeping her brand “sexy.” On the runway, her line was very creative and distinct.
Clark’s brand’s philosophy states: “Fashion is an expression of identity and personality.”
Clark associates this with her clothing because she loves standing out. She participated in a competition show from Tulsa, Oklahoma, bypassed their bootcamp, and won. Although the pace of New York City is faster than Tulsa, she felt right at home. “New York Fashion Week was overwhelmingly exciting,” said Clark. “I loved every bit of it.”
Denná Latrice Designs stood out to Wanders during Unieke Mode casting. Wanders said she anticipated the opportunity to walk for Clark after seeing her clothing. “Her pieces look straight out of a fairytale book almost, definitely gives prom vibes,” said Wanders. She described her pieces as “nice to walk in,” and called Clark a sweetheart. Wanders was pleased during her exchanges with Clark, despite the chaotic background. “I love people who know how to work under pressure and she’s one of those people,” said Wanders. “Monique, too.”
Clark reveled in working with Wanders and added that the model represented her brand perfectly. Clark was relieved not having to give much direction on the runway approach. She was also pleased working with Monique Obeze. “She’s a blessing, she’s super sweet,” said Clark. “If I could do her show again, a million times, yes, I’ll do it over and over.”
Obeze said she was honored that Denná Latrice Designs first NYFW showcase was through Unieke Mode NY. “I think her collection was very sexy yet elegant,” said Obeze. “I enjoyed seeing her perspective come down the runway.”
This season, Obeze honored select individuals in the fashion industry, including highlighting those during philanthropic work. One of her honorees, Timothy Marshall, does a lot of work drawing attention to breast cancer survivors. Obeze, as a breast cancer survivor herself, was thrilled to celebrate him during Unieke’s show. “We cannot let these things get to us where it prevents us from pursuing our dreams,” said Obeze. She finds it rewarding when everything comes together, especially after surviving cancer. “I’m able to grab my designers and say, ‘look at what you just did!’” Her passion and love for fashion keeps her moving forward. “I will go above and beyond, and my team is a reflection of that.”
For more information, please visit https://www.uniekemodeny.com
As former South Bronx resident now residing in Saint “Paul Minnesota I’m proud to know my Beautiful Black Daughter is part of Fashion Week 2024. You go Eden Gabrielle Love !!